Islamabad: Pakistan’s Christian community is all set to celebrate Christmas as the churches and some public places are adorned with bells, lights and Christmas trees.
On December 25, the people of Pakistan also celebrate the birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Churches around the country have been illuminated ahead of Christmas. Many restaurants and markets in the major cities are decked out with lights, trees, decorations, cakes and gifts as Pakistan’s more than 2.5 million Christians have finalized the preparations to celebrate the festive occasion.
Many churches in Pakistan plan to celebrate the day starting with worship services and prayers and concluding with annual dinners as the coronavirus situation has relatively improved in the country. Special cake cutting ceremonies and festivities have been planned at different government ministries and organizations on December 25 to mark the event officially.
Pakistani authorities have also tightened security around churches and mass prayer sites all across the country to guard against any unwanted incident. To strengthen protection of religious buildings, walk-through gates have been installed at entry and exit points and the Christmas services and sites of celebration would be monitored through CCTV cameras. Punjab police have announced strict security measures for the security of 295 churches in South Punjab.
Pakistan Railways to run special train on Christmas
Pakistan Railways has announced to run two special coaches on December 25. The number of coaches have also been increased on the occasion to facilitate travel. “Our Christian brothers and sisters will be easily able to go back home and spend the festivities with their families during the holidays,” Railways Minister Azam Swati said.
Focus on message of peace
In a ceremony this week, President Dr Arif Alvi felicitated the Christian community across the world at a meeting with religious leaders of various communities held in Islamabad on December 21 on the eve of Christmas. President Alvi asserted that the “the world today is in dire need of spreading the message of peace promoted by Jesus Christ (Hazrat Issa) and the Prophet Mohammad.” He urged the Christians, Muslims and members of other religions in Pakistan to show mercy and compassion and promote peace and harmony.
